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Copella arnoldi, (Regan), 1912
Common name unknown

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Origin: Guyana, lower Amazon river and Rio Paru.

Etymology: Named in honour of Arnold.

Synonyms: Copeina arnoldi, Copeina callolepis, carsevennensis, Copeina eigenmanni, Pyrrhulina filamentosa, Pyrrhulina rachoviana.

First European import:Germany, 1905, by O. Kittler.

Description: See pictures

Care: In well established community tanks these fish are easy to keep, either as a group or in pairs. The tank should be covered well, since the fish can jump high and accurate, also when searching for food. The water shouldn't be too hard, and weekly waterchanges are necessary. The fish will inhabit the middle and upper regions of an aquarium, and like to hide in between plants, or under some floating plants.

Temperature:24-28°C

Feeding: Omnivorous, all given food is accepted.

Size: Males up to 8 cm, females smaller, up to 6 cm.

pH: 6.5-7.5

Breeding: Copeina arnoldi displays a fascinating breeding behaviour, where the male and female will select a plantleaf that grows above the water surface. If no such leaf is present, the fish will use the tank cover as a substrate. The pair will swim almost vertically towards the surface together, and jump out of the water together. The female will deposit 6-8 eggs, which are immediately afterwards fertilised by the male. This proces is repeated numerous times, until up to 200 egs are laid. The male will watch over the nest, and occasionally spray some water on the eggs, using his tail, to keep them moist. The eggs will hatch after 2-3 days, after which the fry fall in the water. The male will stop caring after that. Two days later the fry will have consumed their yolk sac, and start to search for food.

Sexual dimorphism:Males are larger and more colorful.

Prices: 4-6€

Additional: One of the nicest fish for beginners to keep. It's an easy and undemanding species, with strange breeding habits, that can and will occur in a community tank.

Picture references: All pictures E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.Mills, D. and Vevers, G.(1985): Het tropisch aquarium boek. Icob cv, Alphen aan de Rijn, The Netherlands.

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